Common in rocky areas and balds in the Mountains, this species also occurs in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. It is distinguished from the similar C. iracunda by greater number of stamens (20 vs. 10), from C. schuettei by thicker leaves that are not acuminate (long-pointed) or reflexed at the tips, and from C. macrosperma and flabellata by greater number of stamens (20 vs. 5-10) as well as by thicker leaves that are not acuminate (long-pointed) or reflexed at the tips. Most flowers in this photo have about 17 stamens. The name pruinosa refers to the waxy bloom or frosting that is sometimes present on the fruits.

Clay Co., NC 5/13/06.